Fuelling the mind with Brainfood.ie

25 May 2009

Apparently, female students eat more junk when the heat is on – that’s according to a study from new website Brainfood.ie, which was just launched today.

A new survey, released today, which coincides with the launch of the website www.brainfood.ie, reveals that during periods of high-octane stress, female students gorge more on junk foods than their male counterparts.

According to the survey, during intense study periods female students are more likely to snack and eat junk food than male students.

Some 550 students and mothers of students studying for the Leaving Cert or a third-level examination responded to the survey, which was carried out by Empathy Research in April 2009 amongst members of Pigsback.com, and covered their eating habits during intense study time.

The survey was undertaken as part of the research for brainfood.ie to explain how and why Omega 3 is essential for concentration and learning, mental health and general health.

Brainfood.ie, which went live today, features advice and tips on food for the brain for parents, during pregnancy, for students, as well as offering meal plans and lunchbox ideas.

The site also features brain-training exercises, facts about the body and ‘General Health’, and ‘Ask the Expert’ sections.

Commenting on the results of the report, consultant dietitian and nutritionist Aoife Kirwan said the research shows that, usually, female students tend to eat more healthily than male students, with their snack choices generally being healthier – with females tending to choose fresh fruit, juice, yoghurt and crackers, while the males are more likely to opt for crisps, soft drinks, coffee and muffins.

“Male students are also more likely than female students to eat pizza, a takeaway or chipper foods once a week,” she said.

“However, when quizzed about their eating habits during intense study times, just before exams, as part of our preparation for brainfood.ie, nearly half (48pc) of female students ate more junk food at this time, as against 38pc of males.”